What to Do If You Have Suffered a Burn Due to the Carelessness of Another

Burns in the workplace are a significant socioeconomic threat to people, their families, and entire communities. Although workplace safety has been bolstered burns in the workplace continue to make a substantial portion of all burns.

According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a medical journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, employment-related burns are the primary cause of occupational injury in America. The report asserts that a great portion of affected workers are young adolescents, who work in fast-food establishments. Regrettably, work-related burns are not exclusive to the food industry and this is because burns are not explicitly caused by open flame sources.

In order to understand workplace burn-related injuries, it is important to understand that there are different types of burn injuries.

The three main types of injuries include:

Thermal Burns – These burns occur from open flames or other forms of direct heat sources. Examples of a direct heat source include a hot motor, a hot stove, hot liquids, industrial machinery, and steam.

Electrical Burns – Electrical burns occur from electrical currents. Examples of electrical burns include, but are not limited to arcs or sparks.

Chemical Burns – Chemical burns occur from corrosive and/or caustic workplace material. Examples of workplace materials that could cause chemical burns include, but are not limited to solvents and other cleaners.

Burns are one of the most common workplace dangers. Employees who have suffered burn injuries should seek immediate medical care. If you or someone you know has just suffered a work-related burn injury, it is important to contact emergency medical attention immediately. Further, it is also important to let any workplace supervisor know of the injury. The following article information will highlight other important methods of assistance for each of the three main types of burn injuries.

Thermal Burn Injuries

In the event of an open flame injury in which a worker’s clothes have caught fire, immediately attempt to extinguish the flames.

Some of the known most productive methods of assistance involve: Initiating the stop, drop, and roll method, Extinguishing the flames using a fire extinguisher, or extinguishing the flames using a blanket to smother the open flames.

It is important to understand that the victim’s should be assisted so as long as doing so does not cause harm to the person assisting. While assisting a victim is not necessarily the responsibility of another, thus, assisting is optional, the failure to assist can make a bystander liable for the severe injury or death of a victim. Every state will have its own rules and laws regarding helping people who are in danger. In the State of California, these are generally referred to as Good Samaritan Laws. If you would like to know about the laws concerning this in your region, speak to an experienced and qualified attorney.

Electrical Burn Injuries

If you or someone you know has suffered an electrical burn injury, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Electrical burn injuries will typically appear minor, as they often do not show up on the surface of the victim’s skin. Electrical burns will typically cause damage to a person through internal injuries. Further, victims who suffer electrical burn injuries are also more likely to suffer devastating falls, as the jolt from the electricity can be strong enough to cause the victim to fall.

Electrical burn injuries can be highly dangerous. If it is possible, be sure to shut off the source of electricity or power. Electrical burn injury victims may also require cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly referred to as CPR.

Chemical Burn Injuries

Once emergency medical services have been contacted, attempt to bandage the chemical burns on the victim’s skin. In some cases, and if possible, remove the victim’s clothing and/or jewelry. Chemical burn victims will likely suffer severe swelling and even the possibility of irritated or disfigured skin.

Workplace Burn Injuries – Quick Facts

Burn wounds are very serious and can affect a worker physically, emotionally, and financially. Although many employers are compliant in enforcing workplace safety, there are a number of reasons why a workplace burn injury may still occur. The following facts showcase the vulnerability of workers who continue to be exposed to traumatic burn injuries:

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, work-related explosions and fires account for over 5,000 injuries every year.

Another study observed that approximately 40% of all burn-related deaths happened because of a workplace explosion or fire.

The same study concluded that 20% of all other cases of thermal burns were caused when the victim was at work.

The National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries states that 617 of all work-related fatalities reported in the U.S. in 2007 were burn or fire related.

According to a study reported in Injuries at Work in the US Adult Population, published by the American Journal of Public Health, 42% of all workplace injuries were burns.

After a Work-Related Burn Injury, Seek the Legal Support You Deserve

Any workplace injury can have devastating consequences but few are as long-lasting as injuries caused by burns. If you were burned while at work, you should know that there are California state laws that protect your rights to compensation. It is important, however, to seek the legal advice of a professional attorney who has experience in work-related burns and injuries. A skilled burn victim attorney will investigate your case and help you build a strong case that will get you the settlement you deserve. After you have sustained a work-related burn, act swiftly and seek the legal support of a qualified attorney.

Attorney Justin H. King is a dedicated personal injury attorney who has helped many victims seek compensation for the injuries they sustained while at work. If you have suffered a workplace burn-related injury due to the negligence of an employer, seek the advice and support of a qualified personal injury attorney. Contact the Law Office of Attorney Justin H. King today for a free case evaluation.

Categories : Personal Injury Misc., Premise Liability, Products Liability

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on October 12, 2018

17:05 25 Oct 24

Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.

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18:30 04 Sep 24

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Hate Nine

06:01 04 Sep 24

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01:00 15 Aug 24

I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.

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21:53 29 Jul 24

Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.

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18:26 13 Jul 24

I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!

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09:02 18 Dec 22

I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.

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04:14 18 Dec 22

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03:45 18 Dec 22

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04:43 01 Dec 22

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06:13 17 Nov 22

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